THE AVIATION SCHOOL.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17289, 3 October 1916, Page 6

THE AVIATION SCHOOL.

Wk take it for granted that there is considerable public interest in the flying school which the Canterbury (New Zealand) Aviation Company intends to establish. Although the venture is being run by private! enterprise, the promoters have in viow an establishment which may eventually bo taken over by the Government and carried on for national purposes, of which tho primary one is in connection with defence. Tho company is, in fact, being floated because the Government cannot seo its way at the present time to take tho matter in hand, but the scheme has the goodwill of the Ministers and the backing of a unanimous resolution passed by the Legislative Council in respect of the central idea of defence of tho Dominion by aeroplanes. An immediate purpose : which tho directors have in view is the training of aviators for service in the war. There is a large demand for proficient pilots, and as fast as suitable yemng. men can acquire the art of flying the War Office will welcome them into the Royal Flying Corps, there to participate in the groat struggle against the Central Powers. In these circumstances tho promoters naturally wish to lose as little time as possible. The flotation of the company is expected to be fully successful, a email fleet of aeroplanes has been ordered and will shortly ba landed from England, while a number of students are ready to receive tuition tho moment the school is opened. Tho most urgent practical question just now is that of a site for this interesting institution. One’s first thought might be that with so much level land about the sito problem would be one of the easiest to solve. But tfie selection is obviously one of great importance, and the directors are open to receive suggestions. .In a leaflet which they have circulated the principal requirements are summarised. “ Tho ideal ground,” tho circular states, “would bo not less than ICO to 200 acres of level open grass land, with good drainage and dry subsoil, free from any obstruction, as accessible by rail or tramway as is the Riccarton racecourso, and within reach of Lake Coleridge power for us.er in,the, Wilding and repairing shops. <; Besides being level, it is essential that tho land should have a good surface. The pupil at an aviation school begins by 1 rolling ’ his machine along tho ground, gradually increasing the pace he acquires confidence, until he feels his machine lift, and he makes his first flight a few feet only-above the ground. A rough surface is therefore unnecessarily dangerous to tho pupil, and expensive in the wear and tear of machines which have to bump over it.' In brief, the promoters are looking for a site capable of being gradually converted into a larger Lancaster Park, where there’may be developed a Canterbury “Hendon,” a school which will bo as safe for pupils as any in the world and which will become one of the main attractions of tho province. Wo anticipate that tho invitation has only to be thrown out to induce a number of sensible suggestions. Of course, if tho company studied cheapness alone, or even principally, some of tho less productive land in the district would be considered, but we thinu tho success of the undertaking requires proximity to the city and that comparatively heavy expenditure upon a suitable position will be very wise. The site question, indeed, is of prime importance. We shall be glad to publish ideas on tho point if well-wishers will accept the use of our columns, for we regard this enterprise as of particular and permanent interest to the Christchurch peoplo. In years to come the Government will almost certainly take over tho establishment for public purposes, but in the meantime the patriotic citizens who are acting in default of tho State deserve every encouragement and assistance.